Become part of a large and vibrant community, working alongside a thriving group of postdoctoral researchers who recently completed their PhDs.
We use the Chemical Analysis Facility and the Hopkins labs at the University to carry out our research, and offer external opportunities through our collaborations with Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Your life in the School
A day in the life - Ramin Saleh, PhD student
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MORNING
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LUNCHTIME
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AFTERNOON
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EVENING
Being a graduate teaching assistant (GTA) in the school of
pharmacy means I am privileged to teach/facilitate teaching undergraduate
pharmacy students. This usually involves me supporting students in dispensing
classes by helping them with problems they may have or providing constructive
feedback on their work.
On the days I teach, I arrive at Whiteknights campus in good time ahead of teaching. I go over the facilitator's notes and
make sure the room is prepared, ready to welcome our students. On the days I don’t teach, I work extensively on my PhD
project, where I’m exploring the experiences of pain and pain management in
elite athletes and the general population with chronic pain.
Lunchtime is what I look forward to most after a busy
morning; it allows me to switch off, refuel and catch up with friends and
colleagues. I usually treat myself to a bubble tea from the Student’s Union accompanied by a toastie from the Co-operative supermarket on campus.
My time in the afternoon is mainly spent attending courses from Reading
Researcher Development Programme (RRDP) as part of the Graduate School. This
helps me develop my research skills, allowing me to progress with my PhD
project. My bi-monthly PhD meetings are also at this time, where we engage in
constructive dialogue, allowing to make progress with my work and learning.
I use this time to summarise my PhD work and check any
outstanding emails I may have. I grab a quick bite, before I head to football
training with my local Saturday team; Inter London FC. Being a sports
enthusiast, the rest of evening comprises of me catching up on the sports news and affairs.
Doctoral research community
You will work alongside postdoctoral researchers and academic staff. PhD students within the Department arrange a weekly seminar session for 2nd and 3rd year students. The Doctoral and Researcher College co-ordinates a range of activities that bring students together from across the University.
Doctoral Research Conference
The Doctoral Research Conference showcases the variety and excellence of postgraduate research taking place at Reading. The conference features a number of competitions and presentations including the PhD researcher of the year award.
Fairbrother Lecture
The Doctoral and Researcher College's annual public lecture – the Fairbrother Lecture – is delivered by a current or recent postgraduate research student. This is a fantastic opportunity for a wider audience to hear about high quality doctoral research taking place at Reading.
Presenting your work
Over the course of your PhD you will also be involved in opportunities to communicate your work and network with other researchers. You'll also have the chance to present a seminar, speak at conferences and workshops, and visit or host researchers from elsewhere.
The Department encourages you to attend conferences and other events to widen your network of contacts. To this end we assist with arranging travel and accommodation.
Life on campus
Our main campus is set on 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, so you'll find plenty of places to relax. Our campus is home to a thriving community and features the Students' Union, Library and places to eat.
Life in Reading
Step off campus and you'll find yourself in a bustling town centre offering a variety of shops, restaurants and activities. We're also well-connected – you can reach London Paddington within half an hour by train.